On 10 October 2011, a scientific hearing will take place in Brussels on the preliminary opinion on the Health Effects of Artificial Light.

In 2008 and 2010, the European Commission asked the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) to look into the health effects of artificial light because:

The European Union is promoting the widespread use of energy saving lamps while phasing out incandescent lamps for environmental reasons; and

There are concerns regarding sensitivity to light and the potential health effects of artificial light.

The pre-consultation opinion to be discussed at the public hearing is an update of SCENIHR's Opinion on light sensitivity, published in 2008. This updated opinion covers a wider range of lighting technologies and associated potential health risks. It also proposes technical solutions for avoiding potential risks and identifies research needs.

The hearing will complement the public consultation that was held 19 July - 30 September 2011 as it gives stakeholders and the public the opportunity to discuss scientific evidence with the SCENIHR.